Scaffold boards can be made from steel, aluminum or wood but the bottom line is that they must be safe to be used. Regular boards don’t have the same safety benefits of boards made specifically for use in scaffolding. Choosing the right boards and using them correctly can make your workplace environment as safe as possible.
Types of Boards
There are several different types of scaffold boards available. The two most popular options are wooden pine boards and aluminum boards. Aluminum is an excellent choice if you are looking for a material that is sure to last for an extended time. Each aluminum platform board is equipped with hook shaped pieces on the end to secure the board to the scaffold. The aluminum board has no chance of slipping if you have packed the boards tightly in the space provided on the platform.
Pine boards may need to replaced more often but are also less expensive than aluminum scaffold boards. Your boards should all be the same length and should fit onto your scaffold properly to avoid any problems with slipping. OSHA standards have set some basic safety rules that should be followed when stacking each platform. These standards should always be followed if you plan on working on any scaffold no matter which type of boards that you use.
Steel scaffold boards are also very popular. Steel is rust-resistant and is also very strong so these boards will last for quite a long time before needing to be replaced. Steel is also a little more expensive than other options but easily makes up for the cost difference by lasting longer than other options on the market.
Standards for Safety
Some of the most common regulations for scaffold boards are intended to be used by all people. You may have some specific regulations in your city or state that need to be followed in addition to the following regulations, as well. Some basic rules for scaffolding include:
- All scaffold boards should be at least thirty-six inches from the top of the safety railing.
- Damaged boards should be replaced before allowing anyone to work on the scaffolding.
- The boards should always rest on stable supports from the structure instead of other objects.
- The boards should not hold more than the recommended weight, and the platform should be kept as clear as possible while working.
Each of these regulations for scaffold boards is vital for safety reasons. You may find that having a few extra pine or aluminum boards on hand will reduce the amount of time spent looking for replacements if you use your scaffold system for work often. Keeping your scaffold in good operating condition is absolutely necessary and even required by law.
Board Size and Thickness
Scaffold boards are typically forty millimeters thick or thicker and are sold in several lengths. The longest boards intended for use on a scaffold are about twelve feet long. You should choose boards based on the length of your platforms and thickness based on the amount of weight that you need to support. Newer plastic boards are available but aren’t used as often as wood and metal boards, and sole boards are made for ground use rather than for platforms.
Sole boards are often used on the ground and don’t need the same thickness as other boards. It is always recommended that sole boards only be used on the ground since there are different requirements for those boards than those intended for use on a high platform. These sole boards are equipped with rubber ends for increased grip on the ground.
If you are in the market for scaffolding boards it is best to buy new boards rather than used. You really won’t know how old used boards are, or where they have been used. If the integrity of the board has been diminished you may find that the board just isn’t strong enough to hold the required weight for your job. If one board breaks it may not end in an accident but it is always better to be cautious when buying items that are used on scaffolding. You will also want to examine each board for knots, chips, and other signs of weakness before making your purchase.
Placement of Boards
The placement of scaffold boards is also important for safety reasons. Each platform made of boards should have a good support system for each five to six feet of space, and the boards need to be supported on each end by the scaffold structure. The hooks on the boards are there to ensure the boards don’t move or scoot around during use. If your boards have broken hooks on the end then it is definitely time to consider replacing them before using the scaffold again.
The hooks aren’t the only feature that differentiates scaffold boards from regular boards. For instance, steel and aluminum boards are equipped with raised lines that increase friction with your shoes to help you keep your balance even when the scaffold is moving slightly from the other workers on the structure. These raised grooves are a definite advantage to choosing aluminum and steel boards.
Wooden boards naturally have friction with your shoes when they are dry, however, and are also more affordable than metal options. Pine is most often used for wooden scaffold boards but there are also many other choices available including pressed plyboard that has been treated to be strong than average and is specifically marketed for use on scaffolds.
Choosing Your Boards
There are several considerations when choosing the right scaffold boards for your business. Your budget, weight requirements, and personal preferences are among those considerations. If you are looking for a long term board that can be used for an extended time without showing wear, stainless steel may be the best option for you.
If you are on a budget then you may want to opt for wooden boards that are intended for use on a scaffold. Above all you should make sure that your scaffold boards are made for scaffolding or you may find that they just aren’t safe and don’t meet your state regulations.
